West Indies Choose to Bat First in Chattogram Warm-Up
In a key T20 World Cup preparation match, the West Indies won the toss and elected to bat against Bangladesh at Chattogram’s Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium. The decision highlighted their aggressive batting approach, while Bangladesh’s omission of all-rounder Mahedi Hasan became the major talking point.
West Indies Build Strong Start
Skipper Rovman Powell’s side opened with Brandon King and Johnson Charles, who put on 45 runs in the powerplay. King, coming off a strong CPL season, looked fluent, while Charles attacked before falling to Shakib Al Hasan’s spin in the 9th over.
Nicholas Pooran and Shai Hope then steadied the innings, with Pooran’s explosive strokes pushing the score to 120/2 by the 15th over. The middle order’s intent suggested a competitive total was on the cards.
Bangladesh’s Mahedi Hasan Omission Raises Questions
Bangladesh’s decision to bench Mahedi Hasan surprised many, given his recent T20I contributions with ball and bat. Coach Chandika Hathurusingha’s move to test Soumya Sarkar as an extra batter hinted at a shift in strategy, but Chattogram’s spin-friendly conditions left analysts questioning the call.
Match Implications for T20 World Cup
- West Indies: Focus on batting depth and powerplay aggression.
- Bangladesh: Bowling attack, led by Mustafizur Rahman and Taskin Ahmed, faces a stern test without Mahedi’s spin.
Live Updates: Follow the action as Bangladesh chase the target—will Mahedi’s absence prove costly?
